Fun Questions to Ask Authors
Entertaining and insightful questions to ask authors about their writing process, inspiration, characters, creative challenges, and the stories behind their stories—perfect for interviews, book clubs, or meet-and-greets.
1If your book were adapted into a movie, who would you cast in the main roles?
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If your book were adapted into a movie, who would you cast in the main roles?
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Why this works
Fun hypothetical that reveals how the author envisions their characters.
2Which character in your book do you relate to most, and why?
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Which character in your book do you relate to most, and why?
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Why this works
Uncovers personal connections and autobiographical elements.
3What inspired this story, and when did you know it had to be written?
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What inspired this story, and when did you know it had to be written?
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Why this works
Reveals the creative spark and genesis of the project.
4What's the weirdest or most surprising thing you researched for this book?
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What's the weirdest or most surprising thing you researched for this book?
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Why this works
Surfaces fascinating behind-the-scenes details.
5Did any characters surprise you by taking the story in unexpected directions?
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Did any characters surprise you by taking the story in unexpected directions?
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Why this works
Shows how characters can develop a life of their own during writing.
6What scene was the hardest to write, and why?
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What scene was the hardest to write, and why?
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Why this works
Explores emotional or technical challenges in the creative process.
7If you could have dinner with any of your characters, who would it be?
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If you could have dinner with any of your characters, who would it be?
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Why this works
Playful way to understand which characters the author finds most compelling.
8What books or authors influenced your writing style?
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What books or authors influenced your writing style?
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Why this works
Traces literary lineage and inspirations.
9Do you have any writing rituals or superstitions?
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Do you have any writing rituals or superstitions?
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Why this works
Reveals quirky habits and creative routines.
10What's your favorite reader reaction or piece of fan mail you've received?
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What's your favorite reader reaction or piece of fan mail you've received?
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Why this works
Highlights the impact of their work on real people.
11If you could give your main character one piece of advice, what would it be?
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If you could give your main character one piece of advice, what would it be?
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Why this works
Fun way to explore character arcs and authorial perspective.
12What's one thing readers always get wrong about your book?
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What's one thing readers always get wrong about your book?
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Why this works
Clears up common misconceptions and deepens understanding.
13Are there any Easter eggs or hidden details readers might have missed?
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Are there any Easter eggs or hidden details readers might have missed?
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Why this works
Rewards close readers and adds depth to re-reads.
14What alternate ending did you consider but ultimately reject?
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What alternate ending did you consider but ultimately reject?
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Why this works
Reveals the creative decision-making process and roads not taken.
15If you could write in any other genre, what would you choose?
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If you could write in any other genre, what would you choose?
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Why this works
Explores their range and interests beyond their current work.
16What's the most difficult part of being an author that people don't realize?
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What's the most difficult part of being an author that people don't realize?
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Why this works
Demystifies the profession and reveals hidden challenges.
17Do you outline meticulously or write by the seat of your pants?
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Do you outline meticulously or write by the seat of your pants?
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Why this works
Uncovers their creative process—plotter vs. pantser debate.
18What's the best writing advice you've ever received?
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What's the best writing advice you've ever received?
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Why this works
Distills wisdom from their own mentors and experience.
19If you could spend a day in the world of your book, what would you do?
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If you could spend a day in the world of your book, what would you do?
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Why this works
Imaginative question that reveals what they find most appealing about their creation.
20What's next for you—are you working on anything new?
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What's next for you—are you working on anything new?
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Why this works
Gives readers something to look forward to and shows ongoing creative journey.
Engaging Authors in Meaningful Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Read the Book First
Authors appreciate when you've actually read their work—reference specific scenes or characters.
Balance Fun with Substance
Mix lighthearted questions with deeper ones about craft and inspiration.
Let Them Tell Stories
Authors are natural storytellers—ask open-ended questions that invite narrative responses.
Question Themes for Author Interviews
Creative Process
Story & Characters
Common Pitfalls
Asking 'Where Do You Get Your Ideas?'
This is the most clichéd author question—dig deeper into specific inspirations instead.
Spoiling the Book for Others
Be mindful of spoilers in public settings like book clubs or Q&As.